https://www.pennstatehealth.org/

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA (2026)

02/18/2026

🚁 One more look at a meaningful moment — Randy Emery’s final Life Lion flight last week.

After 26 years of service, pilot Randy Emery leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship and dedication to safety, flying countless missions that helped connect patients across our region to lifesaving care.

Thank you, Randy, for your extraordinary service to Life Lion and the communities we serve. Wishing you blue skies and calm winds in this next chapter. 💙

02/17/2026

Please join us in congratulating Donald H. Bucher, who has been named the 2026 Pennsylvania recipient of the State Award for Outstanding Contributions from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The award is presented annually to one nurse practitioner in each state, recognizing individuals who have significantly advanced health care through clinical practice, education, leadership, research and advocacy.

Bucher serves as vice chair of advanced practice in the Department of Medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and assistant professor at Penn State College of Medicine. His leadership and advocacy continue to support expanded access to high-quality, equitable care across the Commonwealth.

🏅Congratulations to Donald on this well-deserved statewide recognition.

02/16/2026

🎧 A new milestone in pediatric hearing care at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Otologists Dr. Mark Whitaker and Dr. Varun Patel recently completed their first implantation of the Nucleus Nexa System, the world’s first smart cochlear implant. This innovative technology is designed to support future upgrades without additional surgery — an important advantage as children grow and hearing-care technology continues to evolve.

This milestone reflects our continued commitment to advancing specialty care, improving long-term outcomes and expanding access to leading-edge treatments for patients and families across our region.

Learn more about their services and locations: https://bit.ly/3OpXQvr

02/14/2026

💘 This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the hearts that matter most — yours.

In honor of American Heart Month, the iconic Crescent at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was illuminated red — a symbol of our commitment to heart health and the patients we’re proud to care for every day.

Throughout February, Penn State Health is highlighting cardiovascular care through our Give from the Heart campaign, supporting programs that help keep our communities healthy, strong and thriving.

Because caring for hearts is what we do best — and the best Valentine’s gift is a healthy heart. 💝

Learn more about Give from the Heart and how you can support heart health in our communities: https://bit.ly/4awtmAo

02/13/2026

After 26 years in the air, today marks Pilot Randy Emery’s final flight with Life Lion.

For more than two decades, Randy helped deliver critical care to patients across our region, safely transporting thousands of people when minutes mattered most. His skill, leadership and steady presence have supported countless patients, families and care teams — often on their most difficult days.

Thank you, Randy, for 26 years of extraordinary service, for the lives you helped save and for the lasting impact you leave behind across Penn State Health. Wishing you clear skies and the very best in retirement. 🚁

02/10/2026

We’re proud to share that Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2026 by Healthgrades — the third consecutive year earning this distinction and ranking among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical excellence. 🎉

This recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses and care teams who work every day to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to the patients and families we serve. Thank you to our teams for their continued commitment to excellence. 💙

01/30/2026

THON Store Coming to Hershey!

Next Wednesday, Feb. 4, Penn State THON will host a merchandise sale on the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus, featuring THON 2026 gear and more.

📍 Where: Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital – Treehouse Cafe
🗓️ When: Wednesday, Feb. 4
⏰ Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

You can pre-order your items at store.thon.org and select Hershey Merchandise Sale Pickup at checkout.

🛒 All pre-orders must be placed by Monday, Feb. 2, at 11:59 p.m.
📦 Pre-orders can be picked up on Wednesday, Feb. 4, during the sale at the Treehouse Cafe.

01/27/2026

⭐ Celebrating excellence in pediatric care

The Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital has earned a 2025 gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses — the program’s highest honor.

The Beacon Award recognizes hospital units that deliver exceptional patient care while fostering a positive and supportive work environment for nursing staff. Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit is the only pediatric intermediate care unit in Pennsylvania to receive the gold-level designation and previously earned this recognition in 2021.

This achievement reflects the team’s commitment to high-quality care, strong collaboration and continuous improvement for children with complex medical needs.

Read more about this achievement: https://bit.ly/49Hy6TA

01/26/2026

🌟 Penn State Health Recognized for Culture, Belonging and Community by Newsweek 🌟

For the second year in a row, Newsweek has named Penn State Health one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging and Community.” This ranking highlights organizations where diversity, inclusion and employee engagement are truly valued.

A culture where employees feel supported and included helps our teams thrive, which strengthens the experience and care we provide to our patients and families.

Thank you to our employees for making Penn State Health a place where people feel respected, included and part of a strong community. 💙

➡️ Learn more about this recognition: https://bit.ly/4r8eQEL

01/26/2026

❄️ As winter weather continues across our region, we want to share a quick update and a heartfelt thank you.

For Monday, January 26:
🔹 All Penn State Health Medical Group locations will be closed.
🔹 All Penn State Health Urgent Care locations will open at 11 a.m.

➡️ For the latest updates, please continue to visit: www.pennstatehealth.org/weather.

Our weather page has the most up-to-date information on closings and modified hours.

We also want to extend our sincere thanks to the clinical and support staff who are caring for patients during the storm — including many who stayed overnight to make sure we could continue meeting the needs of our community. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. 💙

01/23/2026

Shoveling snow can be more strenuous than many people realize — and it can put extra strain on your heart.

Dr. Garrett Cavaliere, emergency physician at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center shares important tips for staying safe while shoveling and knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. ❄️❤️

01/23/2026

❄️ As our region prepares for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and challenging travel conditions this weekend, Penn State Health is actively preparing across all hospitals, outpatient centers and practices.

Our Emergency Preparedness and operational teams are closely monitoring the storm and coordinating readiness plans to support safe operations across our health system.

ℹ️ For the latest updates on facility hours, closures or service changes, please visit: https://bit.ly/3LPGLtS

⚠️ Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage limiting non-essential travel during the storm and, when possible, postponing in-person visits to hospitalized patients. These steps help reduce travel risks and support safe, efficient operations across our health system during severe weather.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping prioritize safety in our community.

01/22/2026

Penn State Health is bringing specialized pediatric surgical care closer to home for families in Berks County and surrounding communities.

Pediatric surgeons from Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital are now offering pre-surgical appointments and performing general and gastrointestinal surgeries at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, increasing access to high-quality, expert care for children and adolescents.

“This expansion represents the best of both worlds for Berks County families,” said Dr. Robert Ricca, chief of Pediatric Surgery at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. “They will have access to the expertise of pediatric surgeons from the Children’s Hospital, backed by the compassionate, experienced pediatric care team at St. Joseph Medical Center.”

Children who require inpatient care following surgery will be treated in St. Joseph Medical Center’s dedicated pediatric unit, supported by board-certified pediatric hospitalists and specially trained pediatric nurses.

Read more about what this expansion means for families in Berks County: https://bit.ly/4pQH7hW

01/21/2026

⏳ Only 30 days until Penn State THON! 💙

In just 30 days, Penn State THON will bring our community together to support Four Diamonds families and children facing cancer at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital. 💠

Every dollar raised helps provide care, comfort, and support when families need it most. Four Diamonds also goes beyond treatment — offering child life and music therapy, emotional support, and financial assistance — ensuring children and their loved ones are cared for every step of the way.

We’re inspired by the dancers, volunteers, and donors who make this possible. 💙

Learn more about how Four Diamonds' supports families: https://bit.ly/3ZnXO9D

01/21/2026

🌟 We’re proud to honor Crystal Turner, a leader at the Penn State Cancer Institute, with the DAISY Leader Award for her compassionate, patient-centered leadership.

Crystal consistently goes above and beyond for both patients and her team. In one powerful moment, she immediately stepped in when a patient became nauseous and felt faint — assessing the situation, alerting the provider and ensuring the patient received timely evaluation and care in the emergency department.

“Crystal immediately dropped everything to assess the patient, alert the provider, and ensure the patient received the care they needed.”

Congratulations to Crystal on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for the leadership and care you bring to Penn State Health every day. 💙

01/21/2026

👣 Bunion pain you can’t ignore?

Dr. Sarah Black, foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at Penn State Health, explains when bunion surgery can help.

Surgery works best for bunions that:
🔹Cause persistent pain
🔹Make it hard to fit into shoes
🔹Lead to recurrent skin problems

Cosmetic fixes alone usually don’t give the same results. But with newer techniques, patients with painful bunions are seeing excellent outcomes.

🎥 Watch to learn if bunion surgery might be right for you.

01/19/2026

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Martin Luther King Jr. 💙

At Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope in Harrisburg, Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine staff and students regularly volunteer to provide free care for adults who are uninsured or underinsured.

From primary care to dermatology clinics, and even healthy food through the Healthy Cupboard program, the team helps meet critical needs while promoting health equity in the community.

🎥 Watch the video to see how Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine are making a difference — every day, in every patient interaction.

01/16/2026

This MLK Day, honor Dr. King’s legacy by giving back to your community. Every act of service — big or small — makes a difference.

💉 Donate blood: https://bit.ly/4qUdJYY | https://rcblood.org/3MgX2VJ

🍎 Support a food pantry: https://bit.ly/2GXe3Ua

Whether it’s donating blood, helping neighbors or volunteering your time, your efforts can change lives and strengthen your community.

Give back this MLK Day and make a lasting impact.

01/15/2026

🩸 Calling all blood donors — especially young ones

January is Blood Donor Month, and blood banks are facing a critical need for young, healthy donors, including Millennials and Gen Z.

Why this matters:
🔹 Many long-time donors are aging out due to health conditions
🔹 One trauma patient can need dozens of units of blood
🔹 Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets

Blood donation typically takes about an hour, and in Pennsylvania, donors can start at age 16 with parental permission.

Donating blood helps ensure lifesaving care is available when patients need it most — whether after an accident, during cancer treatment or in an emergency.

👉 Learn more about the growing need for young blood donors: https://bit.ly/4qMUSz8

01/14/2026

When rare, high-risk infectious diseases occur, having a prepared care team close to home matters.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is expanding its ability to safely care for patients with rare, high-risk infectious diseases thanks to a $500,000 federal STAND Award.

The funding supports staff training, specialized equipment, and updated protocols to protect patients, health care teams, and the community.

Since 2015, the hospital has been a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center, part of a nationwide system ready to respond to serious diseases like Ebola and MERS.

👉 Learn more about how this funding supports readiness and specialized care at Penn State Health: https://bit.ly/45LMtnp

01/14/2026

When rare, high-risk infectious diseases occur, having a prepared care team close to home matters.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is strengthening its ability to safely care for patients with these complex conditions, thanks to a new $500,000 federal grant.

As a Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center since 2015, the Medical Center is part of a nationwide system designed to respond quickly and safely to serious infectious diseases that are rare but potentially life-threatening. The funding supports advanced training, specialized equipment and systems that help protect patients, health care workers and the surrounding community.

This work builds on years of preparedness and collaboration with public health officials, emergency medical services and regional partners across central Pennsylvania — helping ensure care is available when it’s needed most.

Read more about how this funding supports readiness and specialized care at Penn State Health: https://bit.ly/45LMtnp

01/12/2026

Got the flu? Here’s where to go for care this winter.

As flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases rise, knowing where to go can get you the right care faster – and keep emergency rooms available for people with life-threatening conditions.

🏠 Mild symptoms – Fever under 103, cough, congestion, able to stay hydrated → recover safely at home, see your primary care doctor, urgent care, or use a virtual visit.

⚠️ High-risk groups – Young children, adults 65+, pregnant people, or those with weakened immune systems → contact your doctor early.

🚨 Emergency signs – Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe vomiting, dehydration, or worsening chronic conditions → go to the ER or call 911.

💉 Flu shot reminder – It’s not too late to get vaccinated. A flu shot can protect you from severe illness and hospitalization.

Choosing the right care helps you recover safely while keeping the ER available for true emergencies.

➡️ Find out what to do if you get the flu: https://bit.ly/4sUahj9

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

02/18/2026

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